By 
City Oilers held off a determined Namuwongo Blazers side to win Game 3 of the National Basketball League Playoff Finals 76–72 in overtime, taking a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
It was a game that had almost everything — big shots, missed chances, physical battles, late drama and controversial officiating calls.
The Oilers looked to have the game under control at different moments, but Namuwongo kept coming back and forced the game into overtime.
The biggest talking point came just before overtime when City Oilers protested a disputed no-call involving Nyembo Fataki and Patrick Rembert.
The Oilers felt there was contact that should have resulted in a foul, but the officials stood by their decision. The players and technical staff protested for several minutes, with City Oilers appearing close to refusing to return to the court.
Eventually, the situation was settled and the game continued.
And when it mattered most, the Oilers managed to keep their heads and finish the job.
Namuwongo had a huge performance from Nyembo Fataki, who finished with 28 points and eight rebounds.
Fataki kept the Oilers’ defence busy throughout the game, but he had to work hard for his points, taking 25 shots.
Anthony Chukwubuka also had a strong all-round game, finishing with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
The Blazers’ biggest problem, however, was their shooting.
They shot just 30 percent from the field and went 5-for-33 from three-point range. Against City Oilers, that was always going to make things difficult.
Namuwongo did find success by putting pressure on the Oilers and forcing 20 turnovers. They scored 21 points from those mistakes and stayed in the game despite their struggles from the field.
But the poor shooting eventually caught up with them.
Patrick Rembert led City Oilers with 22 points, including five three-pointers.
Germaine Roebuck added 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Titus Lual scored 10 points. Joel Lukoji also played an important role, finishing with seven assists.
The Oilers shot 36 percent from three-point range and scored 23 points off Namuwongo’s turnovers.
They were not perfect either.
City Oilers turned the ball over 20 times and were badly beaten on the boards, with Namuwongo winning the rebounding battle 68–50.
Those numbers will concern head coach and his technical team heading into Game 4.
Still, the Oilers made the important plays when they needed them and managed to stay composed after the late officiating controversy.
With City Oilers now leading the series 2–1, Game 4 on Wednesday, August 12 becomes a big one for both teams.
For Namuwongo, the task is clear. The Blazers have to shoot better, especially from outside, while finding ways to reduce turnovers and take some pressure off Fataki.
They have already shown that they can trouble City Oilers. A more efficient offensive performance could put them in a strong position to level the series.
For City Oilers, the focus will be on cleaning up their own mistakes.
Giving up 68 rebounds and committing 20 turnovers is not a winning formula they will want to repeat.
But for now, the Oilers have done what matters most in a Finals series — they won the game.
Namuwongo will have to respond in Game 4, while City Oilers will be looking to take a commanding 3–1 lead.
After the drama of Game 3, another close contest could be in store on Wednesday.
